English football league bans use of towels to dry balls before throw-ins

LONDON: The sight of players meticulously drying the ball before launching it into their opponents’ penalty area is set to become a thing of the past in English football’s lower leagues after clubs voted to ban the use of towels before throw-ins.

In a blow to those who have made the long throw-in their weapon of choice, English Football League (EFL) clubs voted to approve the rule amendment at their annual meeting on Thursday. The rule will also prevent players from using items of clothing generously offered up by fans, a situation that arose in November, when a Rotherham United supporter gave defender Wes Harding his jumper to wipe the ball before a throw-in. Agencies

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